Runner’s World had an interesting article in their latest issue about 
conventional running advice versus some of the new thinking. Here are some of the most interesting bits.
Running Advice debated
Old thinking – Marathon training requires lots of miles
New thinking – You can run minimal miles & still do well (try the FIRST training program).
I’ve tried both methods for my joggling & can report that more miles did not improve my times. The most important thing for marathon training is to do speed work at least once a week.
If you want to run fast, you have to train fast.
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Old thinking – Build-up to a training peak before every race.
New thinking – You should train the same way all year.
I follow the new thinking on this.
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Old thinking – Cross training is useful for recovery days but not much else.
New thinking – Cross training can improve your performance.
I have to admit, I don’t do much cross training. I do like to ride my unicycle but that hasn’t happened much this year.
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Old thinking – Regular stretching is important
New thinking – Stretching is worthless
I am definitely in with the new thinkers on this one. I haven’t regularly stretched since 1996 and also haven’t had a significant injury. I did try doing yoga for a while last year and liked it but for some reason it just didn’t stick.
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Old thinking – Drink lots of water
New thinking – Drink only when you are thirsty
I definitely follow the new thinking on this one. It’s mostly pragmatic as joggling prevents me from running with a water bottle so I have to rely on public drinking fountains to get my liquids. That’s ok. I can still run when I’m a little dehydrated.
You can see the rest of the running debate in the pages of the September 2009 issue of Runner’s World.
What is some of the running advice that you’ve heard? Do you think it’s true or not?
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
huh, good stuff. I’ve found that by the time you are thirsty, its too late to start drinking…